" My children rarely see me have a drink other than water or coffee in my hands. I am trying to break the "cycle". "

Addictive behavior is like an allergy. You have no control over if you get the allergy. You can only avoid triggering it. Addictive behavior is genetically transferred like other family traits. Good examples help but do not prevent children from getting the allergy.

90% of folks don't have it. 10% do. Like most allergies it's only discovered upon exposure to the allergen. Most folks have at least one drink in their lives. There is a chance to trigger the allergy.

My only point? There is only so much preventive efforts will do. I was destined to be a garbage head. Whatever genetic flaw(s) causes the addictive brain chemistry change, I have it in massive amounts. I am not responsible for being ill. I am responsible for treating my allergy.

Regarding swinging and moderate drinking. Most folks are in party mode when swinging. Alcohol goes hand in hand with that mental mode. I would be interested in how much swinging would go on in a sober village. It does appear that alcohol's social lubrication is a requirement for many.

I can only imagine how busy I would have been if i was alcohol fueled!! Yikes.. the 70's all over again. Drugs, sex, rock-n-roll.. Fuck first. Ask questions later.

Mischief..

Glen Burnie MD

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I, like many others posting, drink socially. You will rarely find alcohol in our house. This is a personal choice. I also come from a family of alcoholics, and am honestly afraid to drink more than 2. My children rarely see me have a drink other than water or coffee in my hands. I am trying to break the "cycle". Congrats to all that have made it as far as they have, and kudos to those that want to try and get help. Chel

Piedmont SC

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I did ACoA work and didn't drink for many years, just because almost everyone else in my family is alcoholic or recovering. So I know a lot about the C&S thing.

Even though we CAN drink, we would also be absolutely satisfied to not drink alcohol or have any out if we were swinging with people working 12-step. I would always want to support someone's sobriety any way I could!

Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS on turning your life around in the best possible way.

Jen

Reading PA

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Agree 100% with Mike, as usual. Because you choose to drink socially, no one should be ridiculed, ever about their choices in life, because it is their choices. I quit drinking when I was 21 due to pregnancies and never drank again until my oldest was 18. Never hard alcohol, but yes, choose to have a few beers on the weekends, but would never consider myself nor anyone we know alcoholics.

I believe anyone who has an addiction to any type of substance, whether it be alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever, if you beat it you are one hell of a person and I admire you emmensely! So congrats to all of you who take one day at a time and stay happy and healthy without alcohol or drugs! Take a bow and pat yourselves on the back, because you are worth it.

Jerome PA

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I think it's rediculess how some think because you choose to drink, and/or like to drink, somehow means you're addicted and have to have it. This is not the case with us, nor is it the case with 99% of the drinkers we know. Congrats to all of you that had to quit, and did. Congrats to all of you that never started. Double congrats to all who don't drink but can still socialise with those that do.

Mike

Bedford PA

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It's well known I can't handle my shit. 15 years...

but really just today.

Glen Burnie MD

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I (Craig) have never in my life had even a sip of alcohol or done any drug. When people ask me why I... well... actually I usually lie, and make up some twisted story and THEN after a minute or 2 I let them off the hook and then I tell them the truth, which is... I never had a desire too. Then I clear up the following myths:

1) No, I don't preach to ANYONE about drugs or alcohol. 2) Yes, I still go to bars with my friends 3) Yes, I can have fun at the bars with my friends 4) Yes you can still buy Zoe a drink :)